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I need help

Submitted by Miss Roro on 24 August, 2009 - 13:15

I am a new person in this site - I have a problem and need help - I graduated this year and went to private school to perform a presentation to know if I am good teacher or not but I was afraid and refused to present my lesson in front of them.

I am little shy and I want to be strong and explain in front of any one and do not be afraid

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anaumoska

not a problem!

Submitted on 26 August, 2009 - 20:29

Hi Miss Roro,

I admire the fact that you are open and honest about the way you approach your 'problem'! Taking into consideration the fact that your presentation in front of a class is probably your first presentation in terms of teaching and taking a whole class in your hands, your fear is justified...and most importantly I do understand it because I too was in such a situation four years ago when I had to pass my practical part of the Methodology exam in front of not only the professor herself, but also about ten of my university colleagues, and about 30 fifth-graders! And I also firmly believe that you should feel fear and intimidation of speaking and holding a presentation, but this fear and intimidation is not at all bad, quite the contrary, it's good to feel these since it is only for your own good, being a future novice EFL teacher!

As a suggestion, why don't you get to know the audience first (the people that are going to be present that day, and what kinds of characters they are, or even the male/female ratio), also visit the classroom and get a feeling of what it is to stand at the head of it. A professor of mine once said that this is an excellent idea because while in the classroom on the day of the presentation, while you are walking around the classroom, in the middle of your sentence you might step on a squeaky floorboard, and just that one second might take away all your concentration! So don't let this happen to you!

Think of what I have said and believe me, you will be more confident that day!

I wish you luck!

Aneta Naumoska, Macedonia

drk

Learn to Enjoy!

Submitted on 31 August, 2009 - 15:07

Dear Miss Roro

I have been an English Teacher for 20 years now. Even after so many years, from time to time, I feel nervy. It's ok to be nervous. The easiest way to face a class is to prepare the lesson very well. Children will tell if you are prepared or not in under 2 minutes. Here are a few steps:

1. Prepare and take a few teaching aids to the class. Eg. Flip chart, Magazines with a few pictures, Colourful posters, or even a model. (I once took an earthen jar to my class to teach 'Ode on a Grecian Urn') Moral: Be innovative and manipulative (meaning - use what you have). Teaching aids will take the eyes of the students off you.

2. Greet them.

As soon as you enter into the class room, greet everyone pleasantly. Be loud and clear. Never mumble.

3. Use Black Board / Screen judiciously. (Never show your back to the children)

As soon as you enter the class room write the Title of the lesson you are about to teach on the black board. (If you are using LCD Projector - show your first slide immediately) This will work as a magic. This is the easiest way to grab their attention to the subject and not to yourself.

4. Be loving but firm.

Smile. The old adage is still true: Honey draws flies not vinegar. Children hate grumpy teachers. But be firm otherwise they will take you for a ride. Use only positive reinforcers. (Eg. Well said, Well done, Excellent, Very Good and so on). Never say anything negative.

5. Manage Time.

If your class is for 40 minutes, prepare a lesson for at least 50 minutes. Beginners tend to be nervous. Nervous people rush through. You shouldn't finish your lesson in 30 minutes. This can be disastrous. Children can harass you asking all sorts of questions. Some of them may simply jump up and down of course, yelling all the time. Keep them busy. Do not let them control the class. Remember you are the boss.

6. Learn to relax and enjoy.

Remember it's all right to make a few mistakes. Be honest. When you blunder say sorry. It is equally all right not to know everything. Once again be honest. It's a virtue to say: 'I don't know.' Tell them that you would clarify the next day. And don't forget to do so the next day.

7. Praise publicly, appraise privately.

Never argue with children. Trouble makers should not be corrected in front of the whole class.

I sincerely hope that these few steps would help you.